15 Busy Weeknight Side Dishes My Family Never Gets Tired Of
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Finding easy side dishes that everyone loves can be tough, but these recipes are my go-to favorites. They’re simple, and so tasty that no one ever complains about repeats. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or just want fuss-free sides that deliver big flavor, these tried-and-true dishes will keep your family happy without adding stress to your evening.
Cilantro Lime Rice
If there’s one side dish my family never gets tired of, it’s this cilantro lime rice. It’s light, fluffy, and packed with juicy lime and fresh cilantro that makes it perfect with everything from tacos to grilled chicken. Plus, it’s simple to whip up on a busy weeknight, and no one ever leaves leftovers, always a win in my book.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
This baked cauliflower mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort side dish my family asks for again and again. Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-good, you’d never guess it’s made with cauliflower instead of pasta. It’s rich enough to feel indulgent but easy enough to make on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Popeyes Coleslaw
Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, this simple side always disappears fast. This copycat Popeyes coleslaw is my family’s favorite. The fresh crunch of cabbage and carrots, tossed in a creamy dressing, pairs perfectly with everything from burgers to barbecues.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Coleslaw
Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
When I need an easy side on a busy weeknight that still feels special, this Longhorn Steakhouse rice never lets my family down. It’s loaded with savory flavors from onions and bell peppers, and every forkful is fluffy, tender, and packed with rich taste. Best of all, it’s fast to make and always gets devoured before I can grab seconds.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes
My mashed cauliflower potatoes are a busy weeknight lifesaver when I want something creamy and comforting without the carb overload. They’re smooth, buttery, and so flavorful that my family barely notices they’re not the real thing. If you’re looking for a veggie-packed side that vanishes fast, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes
Parmesan Potatoes
These crispy Parmesan potatoes are my secret weapon for busy weeknights. Each buttery bite is golden and cheesy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, and absolutely irresistible, especially when dipped in sour cream. I make them on repeat because they’re easy, foolproof, and always a hit with my family.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes
Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
If you’re looking for a no-fuss side that’s ready in minutes, these buttermilk drop biscuits are the perfect solution. Light, fluffy, and buttery, they’re so good you’ll almost want to skip dinner and just eat biscuits. My family devours every last crumb, and they’re so easy to make, that you’ll want to add them to your busy weeknight meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
Cauliflower Tortillas with Garlic and Oregano
Cauliflower tortillas have quickly become a family favorite side dish at my house, especially on a busy weeknight. They’re flexible, fold beautifully, and are packed with savory garlic and oregano flavors that make taco night extra special. They’re so easy to make that we never miss the store-bought kind anymore.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Tortillas with Garlic and Oregano
Coleslaw with Creamy Dressing
This creamy coleslaw is one of those sides that works with everything, grilled meat, tacos, or even as a salad base. The crisp cabbage, sweet carrots, and tangy dressing come together in minutes, and somehow my family always comes back for more. It’s one of those simple dishes that never fails to impress, especially on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw with Creamy Dressing
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
I make these garlic mashed potatoes so often, I could probably do it with my eyes closed. Creamy, rich, and loaded with buttery garlic flavor, they’re the kind of comfort side dish no one can resist. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a big family gathering, this dish is always one of the first to vanish.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Homemade Sauerkraut
If you think sauerkraut isn’t for you, this homemade version might just change your mind. It’s salty, tangy, and packed with gut-healthy probiotics, this side is so easy to make even during a busy weeknight. I love adding it to sausages, sandwiches, or even eggs, and my family can never get enough.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Sauerkraut
Carrot Raisin Salad
This carrot raisin salad has that perfect mix of sweet, creamy, and crunchy that keeps everyone reaching for more. It’s fast to make, super budget-friendly, and tastes even better the next day, though I rarely have leftovers to prove it. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a potluck side, this one’s a winner.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad
Potato and Leek Soup
When I need a warm, comforting side packed with flavor, this potato and leek soup is my go-to. Creamy, rich, and full of tender potatoes and buttery leeks, it’s so delicious that my family requests it on busy weeknights. If you’re looking for a cozy side that’s sure to disappear, this one’s a must-try.
Get the Recipe: Potato and Leek Soup
Cheddar Cheese Broccoli Fritters
Broccoli fritters are one of those “I can’t believe this is so good” recipes that my family requests all the time. Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and packed with broccoli in every bite, they’re a sneaky way to get veggies on the table without complaints. This is my ultimate go-to for a busy weeknight that is sure to deliver.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Cheese Broccoli Fritters
Braised Cabbage
If you haven’t tried braised cabbage yet, now’s the time, it’s a total game-changer for busy weeknights. Slow-cooked to perfection, the cabbage becomes tender, buttery, and rich in flavor, yet feels far more sophisticated than the effort required. Every time I make this dish, my family fights over the last spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Braised Cabbage
